Dr. Akshay. B. K.
Otolaryngology (E.N.T)
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi,
I have been using headphones in only one ear for a few months. Yesterday I started hearing some sounds from two months ago. It felt like I was trying to catch up with my present-day sound. I think that I hear these sounds at certain frequencies. Since I work in a lot of meetings, so I picked up those sounds a couple of times this week. I just want to know how urgent it might be? I have not faced this issue earlier, but I have tinnitus. I am not under any medication, and I have not performed any lab tests for this issue. Is it an auditory response mismatch? I can hear from both ears, but I hear a delayed sound of the entire timeline of the past two weeks syncing up with the current one. Please help, doctor.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and understand your concern. I would like to know a few more details regarding your complaints- 1. Are you trying to say that your one year is working better than another? 2. Do you feel that there is a mismatch in the sounds you receive from both ears? 3. Do you feel your ears are not in sync? Or is it something else? If it is the first scenario, I would suggest that since you had a history of using earphones in a single ear for months together, it would have caused mild noise-induced hearing loss. So I suggest you to get an investigation done- pure tone audiogram and send me the results. The test results would determine whether there is any damage to your ear cells or your auditory nerve. Please do get back if your question was something else. I will definitely try to help you. Thank you.
Investigations to be done
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I can hear from both ears. But I can also hear a faint audio timeline from two months ago playing through linearly as if I heard from those times again. It seems to speed through times where the frequency is not high. However, during past times that I had been on a phone call or had my headphones on, it seemed to be at real-time speed. Is it something I should be afraid of? I have two more days until my hearing appointment. Thank you for being so helpful.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I totally understand your concern. Please do not be tense. By the description of your symptoms, it looks like your hearing and hearing mechanism are intact. The problem that you are experiencing is because of your mind. It might be due to auditory hallucinations, but there is no need to worry. I suggest you visit your ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. He will have your ear examined along with a hearing assessment. If there is no organic cause, which I think is the case, you will be referred to a psychiatrist for further assessment. Although whatever the cause, it can be treated. What you are experiencing as hearing is without any stimulus, so it is your mind perceiving the sound of your memories. Please answer my few questions- 1. Did you have any major mind upsets or issues recently? 2. Do you have any previous history of psychiatric illness? Regards.
Patient's Query
Thank you, doctor,
I think my condition is triggered by my current medication Adderall XR 20 mg. I was diagnosed with bipolar-2 and ADHD. There is also a possibility that this was induced by alcohol. I should not have read the internet stuff on my own a lot of people all over the place were saying different things to me. I believe alcohol started it and my last drink was a few days back. Will the auditory hallucinations last forever?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern. As I can see, you have a history of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and you were on Amphetamine. This could have triggered your current problem. However, a psychiatrist will be able to help you regarding the drugs. Also, alcohol is usually CNS (central nervous system) depressant, but when it interacts with other drugs, it might give different results. I would suggest you consult and get help from your therapist. I would also suggest you avoid reading things online as that will make you more anxious. Take care, and do let me know if you have any other queries.
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Otolaryngology (E.N.T)
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